Research Interests
Understanding how copper can affect the function of neurotransmitters and enzymes in the brain (brain physiology, neurodegenerative diseases, copper metabolism)
Awards and Honors
Elise Taber Graduate Fellowship, University of South Carolina (2012)
Research Interests
Elucidate the role of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling in the brain development of Down syndrome. Particularly, with genetic engineering and pharmacological tools, compare Shh-stimulation in cerebellum or hippocampus to localize hedgehog-mediated improvements in learning & memory in mouse/rat models for Down syndrome.
Publications
Gao, F. J., Hebbar, S., Gao, X. A., Alexander, M., Pandey, J. P., Walla, M. D., Cotham, W. E., King, S. J. and Smith, D. S. (2015), GSK-3β Phosphorylation of Cytoplasmic Dynein Reduces Ndel1 Binding to Intermediate Chains and Alters Dynein Motility. Traffic, 16: 941–961.
Research Interests
Understanding the regulation of copper and iron homeostasis in WD & liver diseases.
Awards
AHA Postdoctoral Fellowship